Is it just us or the phrase “Asian Gastro-Pub” quite possibly the most non-committal phrase our current culinary age could conjure? (Don’t bet your hamachi tacos on it, bub.) Nevertheless, just ten months after we first-looked Center City nightspot Pearl, it’s growing a whole new thing:

Akoya, an Asian Gastro pub, presents an innovative, fun, social culinary experience. The space has been warmed up with zebra wood paneling, fireplaces, and state-of-the-art lighting. The cuisine promises an exciting blend of flavors and textures from throughout Asia. Executive Chef Greg Garbacz marries classic culinary techniques with down-to-earth influences from Japanese, Thai and Chinese cooking to create mouth-watering dishes from stellar, handpicked ingredients. Garbacz’s culinary innovation and keen instincts yield a delightful culinary dining experience in a warm, comfortable space. The menu presents a $25 Lobster surf & turf, Vietnamese short rib sliders, hamachi tacos, and tempura jalapeños.

Akoya opens this Friday. More info forthcoming…

Akoya, 1904 Chestnut Street. (215) 564-9094